Wood Pigeon
About wood pigeon hunting
Pigeon hunting is underrated in Norway. It offers plenty of action and good shooting practice. Wood pigeons migrate in large numbers across the agricultural landscape in August and September.
Hunting is done as stand hunting. You set up a hide near a stubble field where the pigeons have been feeding, put out decoys, and wait. Pigeons typically fly high and fast, demanding good shooting technique.
Pigeon hunting is perfect for shooting practice. You can fire many shots in one evening and get good practice at judging lead.
Shotgun with size 5–6 shot is standard. The pigeon is tender and doesn't need much hitting energy.
Hunting Season
21 Aug – 31 Oct (Southern Norway)
In Northern Norway (north of Nordland) the season is 21 August – 10 October. Wood pigeons migrate early, and hunting is best in August and September.
Weight
400–600 g
Distribution
The wood pigeon is common throughout Southern Norway and along the coast north to Nordland. It nests in woodland and parkland and feeds on farmland.
Terrain
Farmed landscape with access to woodland. The wood pigeon feeds on grain, peas and rapeseed on stubble fields, and has fixed flight lines between feeding grounds and woodland.
Identification
Blue-grey with a white neck patch (the ring), pink breast and white wing bars in flight.
Hunting Tips
Find stubble fields where the pigeons are feeding. Set up a hide and decoys. The evening flight gives the most shooting.
Wood Pigeon hunting by county
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